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Tuesday, 13 May 2014

If you're a dog and cat owner, this
video might look a bit familiar! We've been laughing like mad watching
these poor pooches trying to navigate their homes – only to find their
way blocked by some rather tyrannical little cats!

Friday, 9 May 2014

Ferne Animal Sanctuary
was founded by the late Nina, Duchess of Hamilton & Brandon, at the
beginning of WWII, and was situated on the Ferne Estate in Dorset. The
Duchess realised that, due to the war, service men and women would be
called up for duty, leaving behind many pets in need of care.
Consequently, an appeal was made on the BBC’s National Service asking
for suitable homes for these animals. On returning home, the Duchess
found several dogs, cats and a parrot waiting for her! These animals,
all in need of new homes, were kindly taken in by people living on the
Duchess’ estate. Inevitably, at the end of the war many owners failed to
return to collect their pets, and so the story of Ferne Animal
Sanctuary began.

Sadly,
the beautiful manor house is no longer standing. In 1975, the sanctuary
moved to its present premises which overlook the River Yarty Valley,
high in the Blackdown Hills, in Somerset. Set in 51 acres of glorious
countryside, Ferne also has a conservation area with nature trail,
children’s play areas, restaurant, and picnic areas, which are open
almost every day of the year for the public to enjoy – not to mention
meeting the wide variety of animals residing there, so it is well worth a
visit!

Ferne
also owns its own island! Little Linga is a small island in the
Orkneys, which had been owned by a farmer and seal hunter. It was
purchased by Ferne in 1967 thanks to the help of some generous
donations. The island is now a seal sanctuary and is visited by both
grey and common seals.

Ferne
Sanctuary cares for over 300 unwanted domestic and farm animals of all
varieties, from cats to cattle, dogs to donkeys, goats to geese, and
many more besides! Some animals are brought to Ferne because they have
been neglected or are no longer wanted. Others are brought because of
their owners' changing circumstances. Any animal passing through
Ferne's gate can be assured of love and compassion for the rest of his
or her life.

Ferne
also aims to find forever homes for its healthy dogs and cats, and
foster homes for its equines. All Ferne’s animals receive lifelong care,
and medical needs are met.

Saturday, 3 May 2014

We were very pleased to hear that Sasha, a
British Army dog who was killed alongside her handler while on service
in Afghanistan in 2008, is to be posthumously awarded the PDSA Dickin medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

Sasha and her handler, Lance
Corporal Kenneth Rowe, were on a routine patrol when they were ambushed
and killed by a rocket-propelled grenade attack. L/Cpl Rowe was 24,
Sahsa was four.

During her
service, Sasha – trained to sniff out and locate explosives – saved the
lives of many, many soldiers and civilians. Alongside her handler, she
was tasked with carrying out advance patrols to find safe routes for
soldiers and to sniff out weapons. Her presence was also morale-boosting
to those around her, and her dedication and determination to do her
job, even in such awful conditions, were an inspiration to many.

Sasha is
the 65th animal to be awarded the Dickin medal since its launch in 1943,
the first being White Vision, a pigeon, for contributing to the rescue
of an RAF crew in WWII.

Friday, 2 May 2014

Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo, and for everyone who voted! We're now taking entries for May.

We
want to share your furry friends! Each month in 2014 we'll be compiling
an album of your beloved animals. The picture with the most likes at
the end of the month, will win a fantastic Hubble & Hattie book of
your choice, and feature in our monthly newsletter!